Ideal Leadership in Head Start Programs

Authors

  • Sandra E. Gonzalez

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55370/hsdialog.v17i4.296

Keywords:

Head Start, Leadership, Qualitative Research

Abstract

The field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) has risen to the top of the national educational agenda as a way to overcome the achievement gap and assure that all children learn.  With increased recognition comes greater accountability.  The field of ECE, particularly Head Start is under scrutiny to produce measureable results.  Leadership is crucial to assure both commitment to the holistic goals of ECE and the requirements of accountability.   The first step is to determine the views of those who know best, those who are working closely with children. The purpose of this paper is to report research on how current Head Start directors and teachers define effective leadership practices and strategies. These practices will help leaders and aspiring leaders in ECE settings to be able to motivate teachers and gain the necessary tools to lead in a time of measureable results.

Author Biography

Sandra E. Gonzalez

Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Gonzalez has an extensive background in both child development and special education with over 15 years of experience of working in early childhood education (including Early Head Start and Head Start prorgams) settings including oversight, coordination and management. Dr. Gonzalez has a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Master’s in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and a minor in education. Sandra’s work experience includes hands-on direct services with children, coordination of services and oversight of early childhood education programs. In addition, Sandra is also an adjunct faculty member and has also conducted several presentations, workshops, webinars and trainings on effective leadership in early childhood education and other child development topics.

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Published

2015-02-25

Issue

Section

Research-to-Practice Summaries